Novel Multifunctional Hierarchical Composite Aerostructures with Enhanced Fracture Toughness and Bulk Conductivity
Abstract
The proposed study addresses the manufacturing challenges of producing carbon-fibers, nano-engineered with functionalised graphene nanoflakes grown directly onto the fibers, for improved fracture toughness and electrical conductivity. Four main areas will be explored in this project: i) Identification of the optimum parameters for the direct growth of GNFs on carbon-fiber, without compromising the properties of the pristine carbon-fiber. This will be achieved by investigating the influence of GNF growth conditions on the tensile properties of the fibers, employing either single-fiber and/or fiber bundle tests .ii) Investigate the wetting process for the manufacture of resin-infused GNF-enhanced carbon-fiber composites and identify suitable functionalization strategies for optimizing the CNF fiber - matrix bond. iii) Determine the Mode I fracture toughness for a range of manufacturing/processing parameters .iv) Determine the in-plane and through thickness conductivity of the composites. Study their self-sensing structural behavior by conducting in-situ electrical resistance measurements for monitoring the damage evolution in the composites.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 02, 2017
- Source ID
- FA95501710042
Entities
People
- Pagona Papakonstantinou
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Ulster University
- United States Air Force